Pediatric Exposures Associated with Caffeine Energy Products Reported to United States Poison Centers, 2011–2023

Abstract

Introduction This study investigated the characteristics and trends of pediatric exposures to caffeine energy products reported to US poison centers Methods National Poison Data System data for caffeine energy product single-substance exposures during 2011–2023 among individuals < 20 years old were analyzed. Results There were 32,482 caffeine energy product exposures reported to US poison centers with a 17.3% exposure rate increase during 2011–2023. Most exposures were among < 6-year-olds (69.6%), males (56.7%), or involved liquid formulations (57.5%). Most (80.7%) were not treated in a healthcare facility; however, 1.6% were medically admitted. Teenagers 13–19 years old were more likely to be medically admitted (OR = 12.74, 95% CI: 10.40–15.60) or have a serious medical outcome (OR = 18.83, 95% CI: 16.88–21.01) than children < 13 years old. Solid energy product formulations were more likely to be associated with a serious medical outcome (OR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.81–2.17) or medical admission (OR = 5.23, 95% CI: 4.31–6.36) than other types of formulations. During the study period, exposure rates increased for liquid (34.5%) and powder/granules (632.9%) product formulations but decreased for solids (-51.5%). Among liquid formulation subcategories, the exposure rate for beverages increased (46.5%) and that for shots decreased (-86.1%). Conclusions Although most pediatric exposures to caffeine energy products reported to US poison centers were associated with no or minimal clinical effects, serious medical outcomes and medical admissions occurred. The product formulations that drove the 17% increase in the exposure rate changed during the study period. Opportunities exist to reduce the adverse effects of caffeine energy products among the pediatric population.

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